We Celebrate World Fair Trade Day, 9 May 2015

As we celebrate World Fair Trade Day around the globe, it is helpful to revisit the Fair Trade Principles. In 2009, Fairtrade International along with the World Fair Trade Organization adopted the Charter of Fair Trade Principles, which provides a single international reference point for Fair Trade. The charter includes our common vision, definition of Fair Trade, core principles and the distinct approaches to Fair Trade. Fairtrade International adheres to the principles in creating our standards and pushing for trade on fairer terms.
Here are the core principles and some examples in action:

• Market access for marginalised producers
  An important part of Fairtrade’s work is help otherwise marginalized producers access markets on better terms. In India, small-scale cotton farmers are at the end of a textile supply chain that often leaves them trapped in poverty. Access to Fairtrade markets helps them organize and improve their position. In 2013, farmers’ organizations sold 15,900 MT of Fairtrade seed cotton on Fairtrade terms. See photos and learn more about Fairtrade cotton farmers in India.
  
• Sustainable & equitable trading relationships
  Fairtrade International recently revised the Trader Standard to strengthen the requirements, increase transparency, and provide a framework for companies to go above and beyond the standard in dealing with farmers and workers. Read more about the Trader Standard.
• Capacity building & empowerment
  The effects of climate change are already evident in producer countries where rapidly changing weather patterns and shortened growing seasons are making farming even more unpredictable. Fairtrade tea farmers in Kenya are working with Fairtrade International and other partners to share knowledge and adapt to the changes. Read the full story.
• Consumer awareness raising & advocacy
  Everyone is familiar with Fairtrade in the UK and Australia and North America, but the new frontier in building awareness and advocating for fairer trade terms is in producer countries. South Africa joined the Fairtrade system in 2009, Kenya and India became Fairtrade markets in 2014, and we’re proud to announce the addition of Brazil this past March. Read about the new organization.
• Fairtrade as a “social contract”
  Karma Cola, one of the world’s only Fairtrade colas, is made using Fairtrade certified sugar and vanilla. And, although there isn't currently a Fairtrade Standard for cola nuts, the company has found a way to make their trading with Sierra Leone cola nut farmers as fair as possible working with the communities to implement projects. When the Ebola virus started spreading there, Karma Cola stepped up their support sending extra funds to help prevent Ebola infections. Read their full story .

Fair Trade organizations around the world are celebrating World Fair Trade Day – be sure to check Fairtrade Near You to find the Fairtrade organization in your area and find out about events and opportunities.